Scottsdale is a cultural hub, featuring museums, restaurants, attractions, and cool things to do every day of the week. The expansive restaurant scene brings in people from all over the world to try some of the best dishes in the state. Let’s check out the ultimate dining guide to this vibrant city.
Best Breakfast
There are so many cafes and breakfast spots for you to check out during your stay in Scottsdale, it can be hard to figure out where to start. Whether you want a pasty and a quick coffee to go, or you would rather have a long sit-down brunch with Eggs Benedict and tons of pancakes, this bustling city has it all.
We recommend making a reservation at the Breakfast Club for your first morning in Scottsdale. This super-popular restaurant churns out plate after plate of towering food that will keep you full all day. Try the cottage bacon bean with bacon cured and smoked in-house ham, tomato, baby arugula hollandaise, and balsamic reduction.
Another great breakfast joint that is a must-visit during your stay in Scottsdale is the Butters Pancakes and Cafe on Hayden Road. If you are in the mood for a sweet treat to start your day, there is no better place to go for your next morning Arizona. We love the Oreo cookie S’mores pancakes with Oreo cookies, chocolate chips, and marshmallow spread.
Last but not least, a buzzing and upbeat breakfast spot that is well known for tourists and locals alike is Hash Kitchen Gainey Ranch, famous for its build-your-own Bloody Mary bar and unique decor. Order the benedict fries with carved brown sugar ham and smoked bacon with poached eggs for a savory dish, or the protein packed buttermilk pancakes with chia seeds and fresh berries for a sweet breakfast.
Best Coffee
Head to the Scottsdale waterfront to have some of the strongest and tastiest coffee in the entire city. Press Coffee not only offers breakfast dishes, avocado toast, and strong espresso, but it is one of the best spots in Scottdale for unique caffeine-laden drinks, like chai, espresso honey cinnamon with oat milk, and matcha.
Fourtillfour Cafe is a popular coffee spot in Scottsdale and Encinitas that uses vintage machines, light bites, bulk coffee, merchandise, and a cool vibe that is great for sitting and having a chat with your mates. We love sitting outside on the patio and enjoying an iced oat milk latte during a hot spring day.
Lastly, Echo Coffee churns out in-house roasted coffee, sweet pastries, and savory plates that keep customers coming back for more almost every single day of the week. We recommend ordering one of their traditional drinks, like a cold brew or chai latte, to sit and have at this eccentric cafe for an ideal start to your vacation morning.
Best Lunch
There are tons of lunch spots that range from quick go-to spots for a takeaway meal to bring on a hike to a three-course feast that will have you full way past dinner. We recommend these top three spots for your upcoming trip to Scottsdale to have a healthy and whole-food lunch that uses fresh ingredients.
Culinary Dropout in Scottsdale features slow-cooked meat, sweet treats, savory cheese, savory chicken, and much more for you to choose from for your lunch. We recommend ordering the soft pretzels and provolone fondue with sea salt to share the table, along with the whipped feta and tahini dip with caramelized squash, apples, and dates. For a main dish, you can always share meats and cheeses with your friend, like hot coppa, bresaola, prairie breeze cheddar, aged Manchego, and pimento cheese. For those who want their own meal, the hearty sandwiches, like the crispy chicken katsu with Japanese milk bread and spicy miso aioli, are a huge hit.
Another upscale lunch spot that is great for bringing your parents, family, or partner is Olive and Ivy. The fresh ingredients and Euro-inspired plates here are ideal for those who want to feel like they are dining in Italy while they are in Scottdale! Order the fresh bruschetta, like the butternut squash bruschetta with salmon ricotta and smoked almond, to share with the table. Then, we recommend ordering small plates to have as tapas dishes with your friends. The artichoke hearts with crispy oyster mushrooms and arugula, black truffle arancini with spicy marinara, and shrimp and calamari fritto misto with zucchini and onion are fantastic choices. Top it off with a cheesy flatbread, like the brussels sprout and pancetta option, to have a filling meal.
Last but not least, Grassroots Kitchen and Tap is an ever-popular spot that is ideal for happy hour, having a few post-work drinks, or having a healthy lunch with your family while you are on vacation in Scottsdale. Order the noble bread service with garlic thyme rosemary extra virgin olive oil and pork belly with jalapeno cheddar grits to split with the table. For a main course, we love any of the seafood dishes, like the southern shrimp and grits with tasso ham relish and grilled focaccia bread. The ahi tuna steak with blackened fish, agave ponzu, and miso vin is another popular dish that will have you coming back for more every single day.
Best Dinner
Are you in the mood for traditional American food, great service, and a modern atmosphere? Then look no further. Roaring Fork is a staple restaurant in Scottsdale that churns out hearty dinner plates, sports on the TVs, family-friendly vibes, and a fun atmosphere that is great for all types of events and occasions. Order the skillet cornbread with whipped agave butter to share with your partner, along with the shrimp cocktail with lavash cracker for a healthy appetizer. We recommend ordering the all-natural black angus steak if you are a meat lover, or the fish tacos with tempura fried fish, kale slaw, and chipotle remoulade if you want a healthier dinner option.
FnB Restaurant is popular among locals and tourists alike for its traditional vibe, expansive menu, and great beer. We love coming here to get craft beer and ordering a few shareable plates to age with our friends. The school lunch showcase carrots with wheat berry tabbouleh and yogurt is fantastic to have with an IPA. Or, the butternut, goat cheese, basil pesto, and sunflower seeds appetizers is great for having with a pale ale. For a main dish, you will love the unique combination and fresh ingredients. We love the radishes, dates, mache, almonds, and aged cheddar salad for a healthy meal. The empanadas with Heartquist Hollow Farm’s beef, potato, and encurtido are ideal for meat lovers who want something different.
Are you a fan of craft beer? Do you want to sit with a big group in a large, industrialized space that offers New-American cuisine and tasty drinks? We think so, too. If this sounds like the type of vibe you want for your holiday with your friends, then head to Citizen Public House for a fun time and great food. And don’t just take our word for it. Citizen Public House has been named on the list as one of the best New Restaurants by various local and nationwide publications that shows just how high-end this eatery is.
If you come here for dinner, we recommend ordering one of the tasty starters to begin your meal. We love the crispy sesame pork belly with sweet potato pancakes and whipped ricotta or the wild shrimp cocktail with Patagonian red shrimp and charred lemon. For a main dish, you can’t go wrong with one of the seafood dishes, like the Corvina seabass with mashed potatoes and charred broccolini. Or, if you are more in the mood for a meat dish, the filet mignon with polenta, sun dried tomato pesto, and gorgonzola arugula salad is always a crowd favorite.
Explore the Flavors of Scottsdale
As you can see, there are tons of eateries that are huge award winners when you come to visit Scottsdale. There are cute coffee shops, laid-back breakfast spots, takeaway lunch joints, and much more. Contact Scottsdale Rentals today to plan your trip in one of our spacious and comfortable vacation rentals!
